S&W 10xx: Decocker/Safety Preferences

I've been debating the new auto idea for quite a while and after considering a few possibilities, like the idea of finding a S&W 1066 or 1076. Depending on my activities I'd carry it in a fanny pack or a hip holster, and maybe do an occasional action pistol shoot with it. I've got far more experience with revolvers, and was hoping to get some feedback from some autoloader folks both on the 10xx series S&Ws in general, but mainly on the decocker/safety differences between the 1066 and 1076. If I understand this right, the difference between the 1066 and the 1076 is that the 1066 has a slide mounted decocker and the 1076 has a decocker mounted on the frame. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each? Which do you prefer? Also, if anyone can share any tips or advice in what to look for should I come across one of these for sale, I'd greatly appreciate it.

The biggest difference between the slide-mounted and frame-mounted decockers is that the slide-mounted is also a safety. Pushing it down does decock the hammer, but in this position it also renders the gun inert by disconnecting the trigger and does not move back up to "fire" unless you push it up. This is a somewhat awkward motion to perform quickly on the draw stroke, and I prefer to carry mine with the safety off and only use it for a decocker. The frame-mounted decocker only decocks the hammer, springing back up when you release it and putting the trigger back to DA.

Also of note: the 1076 was created for the FBI when they decided they wanted to use a 10mm cartridge. It also doesn't have a magazine disconnect safety - as virtually all other S&W metal-frame autos do - as part of the order. For a brief time S&W produced their other models in a decocker variant, but few were sold and there was a massive recall for disabling parts breakage.

legion3

December 6, 2009, 11:44 AM

I have had most of the models at one time or another (well not the 1046 :(), and the 1006/1066 standard Safety/Decocker seemed the best. It was the design SW was used to making, it was solid and it worked. And I am usually a non-Safety on a gun guy.

The Decocker only of the 1026/1076 seemed a fragile feeling item, it was not as solid feeling as the similar SIG style decocker. Your were advised not to mash down to hard on it and as was said it did have the recall, ones that were fixed have the two dimples on the frame. But even after the fix the decocker is still kind of fragile looking. They work however, and both the 1076 and 1026 I had were great guns but just prefered the 1006/1066.

The simple ones were the DAO models however, I'm not a DAO fan and apparently not many other were either as these models 1046/1086 were the least produced.

Below is a letter showing how many units of each were produced as you can see the 1006 is the most likely to be had.

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x49/roman3/sw1046_letter1a.jpg

legion3

December 6, 2009, 11:53 AM

If you find one they are tanks and are likely, even if scratched up, to function just fine. If a 1076 press down on the decocker lever and if you see "two dots" put there by a S&W armorer you're good to go

There was a change in Mags from the original yellow follower to a newer white follower. The White are more desirable but all the yellow ones I have used over the years have worked just fine.

And the mags can be pricey (as with all SW mags) so if one comes with more than 2 it might be worth looking at.

Get you some Double Tap ammo and off you go.

FWIW

http://marina.fortunecity.com/harbour/347/10mm03.html

http://www.bren-ten.com/website/id55.html

almostfree

December 6, 2009, 12:01 PM

At various times, I have had a 1006, 1026, 1066, and a 1076. I don't have any of them anymore. I do have a Glock 20 and a Colt Delta Elite.

I agree that the decocker on the 1026/1076 was fragile and did not feel right. The 1006 was my favorite of all of them, but I am not really a fan of the slide mounted decocker and safety. It interferes with the way that I have been taught to rack the slide on a pistol.

coop923

December 6, 2009, 09:36 PM

At various times, I have had a 1006, 1026, 1066, and a 1076. I don't have any of them anymore. I do have a Glock 20 and a Colt Delta Elite.

I agree that the decocker on the 1026/1076 was fragile and did not feel right. The 1006 was my favorite of all of them, but I am not really a fan of the slide mounted decocker and safety. It interferes with the way that I have been taught to rack the slide on a pistol.

What are your thoughts on the 1006 compared to the Glock 20?

jackpinesavages

December 6, 2009, 11:51 PM

I would say to buy whatever you can find in an old S&W, in the 10xx series.

You'll always find a G20/29.

legion3

December 7, 2009, 06:25 AM

For me, and I have owned both the 20 and 29, I even carried the 29 for a while, and the 1066 too, the Glocks are great guns...however for me, the grip is just too fat. I much prefer the slim grip of the 10 series guns, especially with the straight backstrap.

The SF models did not correct the fatness of the grips at all and so do nothing for me.

All that being said the Glock 10mm's are first class guns and you can't go wrong with them. I have gotten out of the 10mm caliber but if I were to go back a SW 1006 or 1066 would be my first choice, with perhaps and eye toward the "someday to be released" Veltor Bren Ten (formerly the Fortis
). They say at the next shot show, we shall see.